Kyle Walker hopeful of World Cup call-up as Gareth Southgate keeps England squad guessing

Kyle Walker is amongst a number of England stars sweating on their places as Gareth Southgate keeps his players guessing ahead of the World Cup squad announcement

Kyle Walker is hopeful of making England’s 26 man squad when it is named on Thursday.

England boss Gareth Southgate will keep his squad guessing with players expected to be told by a text message at lunchtime ahead of the 2pm announcement. Southgate may make a couple of exceptions and make phone calls with Walker and his Manchester City team mate Kalvin Phillips among those still sweating on their places.

Walker underwent groin surgery last month and is confident of being ready to play a part even if he is unlikely to be fit enough to start in England’s opener against Iran on November 21.

Southgate has already told Chelsea ’s Reece James that he will not be in the squad because of a knee injury but is giving Phillips and Walker extra time to make it.

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Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Arsenal defender Ben White are also hoping to make the cut with the squad due to fly out to Qatar next Tuesday.

Rashford has not kicked a ball for England in 16 months since missing a penalty in the shoot-out against Italy in last year’s Euros final. But his return to form and versatility means he is likely to get a recall after injury also kept him out last time.

Versatile White is also keen to get the chance especially after James’ injury but strikers Callum Wilson and Ivan Toney face a nervous wait.

Kyle Walker is amongst those sweating on his England World Cup place (

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Getty Images)

Southgate has been a huge fan of midfielder Phillips and, having spoken to both him and Walker in the last few days, they have both made it clear they will be ready.

The FA submitted a 55 strong list of names to FIFA two weeks ago and most have received emails telling them about logistics and reporting up so they are on standby for Qatar.

But Southgate is unlikely to make any major shocks or even name any standby players, but England do have until next Monday to make final changes in case there are last minute injuries in the final round of Premier League games this weekend.